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REPORT 



OF 



REY. JOHN M^KAY, 



^ COLOREDAGENTOFTH 



> 



STATE BOARD OF COLONIZATION. 



ON LIBERIA, 



/ 



t 



INDIANAPOLIS: 
AUSTIN II. nnowN, state printer 
1854. 



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t\i 



STATE BOARD OF COLONIZATION. 



His Exc'y J. A. WRIGHT, 

Hon. J. P. DUNN, 

Hon. N. HAYDEN, 

Rev. J. MITCHELL, Secretary. 



ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 



Hon. I. Blackford, J. M. Ray, Esq., 

VVm. Sheets, Esq., C. Fletcher, Esq., 

J. Blake, Esq., D. Yandes, Esq., 

J. WiLKiNS, Esq., W. Hannaman, Esq., 

J. R. Osgood Esq., 



REPORT. 



To (he President and Members of the Lidiana State Board of Colo- 
nization : 

Gentlemen: — We respectfully submit the following as our report 
of our late visit to the Republic of Liberia: 

We sailed from Norfolk, in the ship Banshee, on the 13th of 
November, and reached the African coast in twenty days; and in 
fourteen days more we came in sight of Grand Cape Mount, a bold 
promontory jutting out into the ocean, and gradually rising to an 
elevation of 1,060 feet above the level of the sea — having a base of 
at least fifteen miles, and capped by a broad table land, extending 
back into the country forty miles, terminating at a chain of still 
higher and cnore broken hills. The Cape and country adjoining 
appeared to me the most beautiful scene 1 ever beheld. Like many 
others, I had regarded that country as a barren and desolate waste; 
but I found myself much mistaken on this point, as the whole 
country \^as covered with a heavy forest of fine trees, of great 
variety and excellent quality for timber, springing up from a soil of 
great fertility. After a run of thirty-six hours, we reached Cape 
Mesurado, the elevated ^ite of the town of Monrovia, the Capital 
of the Republic, in the harbor of which we cast anchor on the 19th 
of December, making a passage of thirty-five and one-half days 
from Norfolk to Monrovia. 

The passage was an agreeable one to me, as I was not disturbed 
with the sea sickness, and the termination of the voyage found me 
in as good health as I have ever enjoyed — this was fortunate, as I 
wished to improve the opportunities of the visit to the utmost. I 
am much indebted to Mr. Wingate, the captain of the ship, for his 
kind attention and respect, for which I shall ever feel grateful. 



I remained in the country eighty-three days, and sailed for New 
York in the Brig Harp, from Sierra Leone, on the 11th of March, 
in which we had rather a tedious passage of fifty days, owing to 
adverse winds. We have been informed that ocean steamers can 
make this trip in fourteen days or less. 

I had expected to see a respectable town in Monrovia, as it is the 
capital of the Republic ; but my expectations were more than real- 
ized, for I^^found it making just pretentions to the character and 
position of a commercial city; containing a population of about 
2.000 inhabitants — its buildings, presenting rather an imposing ap- 
pearance, consisting of stone, brick, and frame edifices, of excellent 
style and workmansliip. The inhabitants are contented and happy; 
and whilst many of them are quite wealthy, they are all, as a gene- 
ral rule, doing well. They are decidedly a religious people, a greater 
proportion of them being adherants of the different churches than 
are usually found in any other community. And the state of morals 
is superior to that of any other place I have ever been in. I heard 
no profane swearing among the Monrovians, nor did I witness any 
intemperance. 

On landing in company with our emigrants, I was introduced to 
President Roberts, and other citizens, who received me with mucli 
cordiality. I took the first occasion to state the- object of my visit, 
in regard to the proposed settlement of colored persons by this State, 
and presented tlie communication relating thereto, with which 1 had 
the honor of being intrusted by the State Board, the answer to which 
we herewith submit. 

I visited Milesborough, on the St. Pauls river. White Plains, Clay 
Ashland, and the adjoining settlements ; likewise Grand Cape Mount, 
and the settlement and city of Sierra Leone, in which I spent one 
week. Sierra Leone is a well built city of at least twenty thousand 
inhabitants, of which a small fraction are white, but that fraction 
are the privileged class, who hold the offices of government, and 
control the lucurative professions and pursuits, to the partial exclu- 
sion of the man of color. On seeing this state of society, I was en- 
abled to understand the reason why the people of Liberia, by a con- 
stitutional regulation, deny the privileges of citizenship to white 
men. 

In the rapid survey that we made, we became convinced that the 
most desirable location for a settlement is Grand Cape Mount ; 
which is very correctly described in your Colonization Report of 
1852. I submit herewith a further description, by an old citizen of 



Monrovia, Mr. R. Mocre, who has traded a great deal at Grand 
Cape Mount, and who is desirous to aid in the settlement. 

Monrovia, February, 1854. 
Rey. Mr. McKay, 

Dear ?ir :— According to your request, for definite information with a view to establish a 
scttUment at Grand Cape Mount, I unhesitatingly furnish you with the following descripxion o( 
the aforesaid place. 

As regards the locality, I conceive it to be in many respects superior to Monrovia, from tl:e fact 
of the promontory b^ing considerably more elevated than Monrovia, and the fecundity of the soil 
being equal to any in the Republic. The land is mountainous, well timbered and watered, with a 
fine lake of ten or more miles in width, abounding uith every variety of fish. The harbor is a« 
excellent one for vessels to lie in safety. 

In addition, Mr. MixcuEiiL permits me to use the following extract 
from a letter of Wm. W. Findley dated Feb. 22d : 

Sir :— I am much pleased to hear from you, and to learn that you are still laboring for the good 
of Liberia. The friends sent out are doing as well as could be expected ; and they mach desire to 
go to Grand Cape Mount. I hope you will do all you c n in regard to having that place settled as 
•oon as possible. I do think the emijrants should be landed at that place at once, and let them go 
through the acclimating process there, and by the time the public supply of provisions is ended, 
they will have something raised to eat; but if they should be brought to this place, to be accli- 
mated, a second move would be disadvantageous. There is a physician here who desires to settle 
at tie Cape, so the sooner you commence the better. 

The writer of the above was the first emigrant your State Society 
sent out, and should you conclude to accommodate the slight 
misunderstanding which exists between this Board and the Govern- 
ment of Liberia, in regard to territory, so as to follow your first in- 
tentions, of settling Grand Cap:^ Mount, in that event Mr. Findley 
is the best person you can select to superintend the location of the 
settlement. He has shown his capacity for enterprise, by acquirino-^ 
since his emigration in the spring of 1850, a good farm of 40 acres 
ot fine land, on which he has now a neat frame farm house erected, 
two stories high, surrounded by a young grove of tropical trees. 
This farm is on the bank of the St. Pauls river, and the pretty white 
house surrounded by green trees, presents a beautiful appearance as 
you sail towards it. He has about 20 acres of coffee trees, many of 
which yield him annually on an average, about one dollar's worth of 
coffee pei- tree. He has had no deaths in his family, and but little 
sickness — indeed but few deaths have taken place among the emi- 
grants from Indiana, and I am convinced that the mortality has not 
been much greater tlian if they had remained in this country. Mr. 
Findley's property, I consider worth at least $3,000, and he is said 
to b:* out of debt. This rapid accumulation of wealth in the hands 



8 

of enterprising emigrants, was almost unaccountable to me, at first, 
but when I had a little leisure to observe, I discovered that the com- 
mercial advantages of the country are unprecedented, and its tropi- 
cal productions command the gold in every market of the world. 

Before closing this statement, I should mention that the chiefs of 
the Vay Vay nation, who live at Grand Cape Mount, learning that 
your State had it in contemplation to form a settlement some where 
in Liberia, sent a deputation of two of their number to Monrovia, 
whilst I was there, to express their desire and willingness to have 
such a settlement effected amongst them. 

As to the slate and circumstances ol the Republic, permit me to 
present the comprehensive view, found in the last annual message 
of President Roberts, to their Legislature, a copy of which we here- 
with submit. 

We will notice briefly the state of agriculture in Liberia. The 
soil, although difiering in degrees of lichness and quality, must be 
classed with the ri( best soils — and not excelled by that of this coun- 
try, and a man who makes a change of location from this country 
to that, looses nothing on this point, but, in my opinion, is the 
gainer. 

The productions are very numerous, and many of them are valu- 
able as articles of exportation. Amongst these coffee, rice, cotton, 
sugar, tea, arrow-root, ginger, pepper, and ground-nuts, (from which 
an excellent oil is extracted) are the most valuable as articles of 
commerce, and some of them are now produced in considerable 
quantities, and will, in a short time, be produced in very large quan- 
tities, lor the Liberians are giving renewed attention to agriculture, 
in which will consist their greatest wealth. 

I have seen thousands of coffee trees, and large quantities of coffee 
of the first quality, which meets with a ready sale. The manufac- 
ture of sugar was yei in its infancy, but that produced is a superior 
article. Being raised in one of the southern States, we claim some 
little knowledge of the quality of cotton, and we must say that the 
Liberian cotton is as fine in quality, and more abundant in quanti- 
ty than the cotton in the southern Slates, and I am convinced that 
an e<|ual amount of labor bestowed in the cultivation of this article 
in the respective countries, will give a yield of raw material, of more 
than fifty per cent in favor of Liberia. 

Rice and Indian corn or maize, are produced in large quantities, 



and are mainly consumed by the inhabitants; nevertheless the exporta- 
tion of rice is gradually increasing. 

The tea tree or plant, can be grown in any quantity, and the quality 
of the article produced is superior. 

But one of the most important articles of production is the palm 
tree, and the oil extracted from the nut. Palm oil is the leading arti- 
cle in the commerce of Western Africa at this diy, and the Liberians 
will soon command the most of that rade. 

The croton-oil nuts, castor oil plant, and india lubber tree, are 
likewise sources of wealth. 

The forest trees of Liberia are valuable for many uses, timber for 
building ships and houses, dye woods that command a ready market 
and high prices, and such timber as is used by cabinet makers for the 
finest furniture; amongst such may be named the cam-wood, teak, 
ebony, lignumvita^, rosewood, mahogany, &c. 

Spices, aromatic drugs, and valuable gums, are the common pro- 
ducts of the country. 

Indigo is found as a common weed, and may be manufactured in 
any quantity. The fruits are numerous and delicious. I have seen 
oranges of the finest fiavor, pine apples of a large size, guavas, lem- 
ons, limes, plantains,|bananas, tamarinds, rose apples, pomegranates, 
cherries, cocoa-nuts, paw-paws, mango-pums, alligator pears, pat- 
ango, melons, sour-sop, chota, and ohra ale in great abundance. 

The vegetables are equally numerous and well flavoied. We have 
seen and used sweet potatoes of the finest quality, and likewise cab- 
bages, turnips, tomatoes, cassadasand yams; and the beets, radishes, 
carrots, cymplings, butter beans, snap-beans, peas, cucumbers, and 
mellons are superior. 

The domestic animals and barn yard fo.vls, are the same as those 
of this country, excepting the dilference caused by the improvement 
of x\merican stock, and a little attention to this matter will enable 
the Liberians, to raise in any desired quantity, a good class of cattle, 
horses, sheep, goats, hogs, and the various kinds of fowls now found 
in this country. 

The wild game is abundant, including deer of several varieties, 
which are very plentiful. The rivers and lakes abound with fish ; 
in those, and along the coast, an abundance of salmon, nT^ke:el, 
perch, &c. are found, whilst the water, flowing from the springs, 
and found in the wells of the country, is pure and good. 

From this brief review it will be seen that Liberia is a land of 



10 

plenty, and the industrious citizen may with ease secure, not only 
the necessaries of life, but its luxuries; and witli no more exertion 
than is used in this country, by the man of color, to procure a scanty 
subsistence, he may become a man of wealth. 

The mineral w( alth of Liberia, is yet unknown, but we may 
safely suppose that from the indications of mineral found scattered 
over the surfac ■ of the country, that copper, iron, and coal abound. 
I secured and brought home with me, a few specimens of copper 
and iron ore, and gold is known to abound in Africa, of which I was 
shown several specimens. Those undeveloped mines of wealth may 
be made to yield their treasures with ease to the well directed efforts 
of the miner. 

Mechanics are in good demand in Liberia, house builders, brick- 
layers, carpenters, ship builders, blacksmiths, shoe makers, &c., &c., 
and such will receive from $L5() to $2.00 per day. 

The climate to me was pleasant and agreeable, and I presume the 
following statement of Dr. Lugenbeel, who resided in that country 
a nun)ber of years is strictly correct. 

*' On the whole, I regard the ciimite of Liberia as decidedly plea- 
sant. The extremes of the thermomeliical state of the atmospiiere 
may be set down at 65'' and 90"^. The average height of the mer- 
cury, during the rainy season, is about 76°, and during tlie dry sea- 
son about "54°. The mean temperature for the year is about 80"^ 

The only recognized division of the year into seasons is the wet 
or rainy, and the dry season, or in common parhince, the 'rains' and 
the 'dries;' the former of which answers nearly to our summer and 
autumn, and the latter to our winter and spring. During the half of 
the year commencing with May, much more rain falls than during 
the other half, commencing with November. As a general rule, 
however, it may be stated, that some rain falls during every month 
in the year; and in every month there is some fine, cleai*, pleasant 
weather." 

The acclimating fever has been regarded by many as one of the 
great hinderances to the rapid growth of Liberia, and a cause of ter- 
ror to emigrants. From our observation and experience, we aie 
convinced that the terrors of this disease have been magnified, and 
we know that it is neither so painful nor so dangerous as represented. 
Like others, w^e had to jiass throngh_this ordeal, but we were not 
incommoded by it more than ten days, ncr were we confined to the 
house more than one third of that time. 

Respectfully submitted, 

JOHN MC KAY. 



APFEN DIX. 



[A.] 



State Uepartmkxt, } 
Monrovia, Fsbruary 15th, 1854. ) 

His Excellency Joseph A. Wright, 

Qovtrrtor of the Stale of Indiana, United States of America. 

Sir :— I am directed by President Roberts, to inf rui you, that your favor of September yrth, 
1853, has been received, and its contents particularly noticed. 

As President Roberts expressed to your Excelli ncy, tlie Government and people of Liberia 
will do all in their power, consistently vs-itb their interests, to further the vievrs of the Legislature 
of the State of Indiana, and of tlie State Colonization Board, for colonizing the free colored peo- 
ple of that State, in Liberia, but, for reasons explained to your Excellency in President Roberts* 
communication of 5th July last, the Government doe^ not tliink it politic to swerve from the 
usages which have always regulated its intercourse with respect toemigrants eoming to Liberia. 

The Piesideiit laid before the Legi,s!ature at its last session the corrcspondcnte he had on the 
subject witli you ; and I now have the honor of enclosing a cojy of the feolve of the Legislature, 
which, you will discover sustains the view at first taken in the premises. 

The Rev. Mr. Mc Kav, agent of the Indiana Colonization Beard, now in Liberia, and who pro- 
poses to return to the United States in Iho vessel which convejs this letter, will be able to giv« 
Your Excellency full information with respect to the views and feelings of this government, in 
regard to a settUment at Grand Cape Mount. 

I beg to en.jlosa to Your Excellency a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Mc Kay by P. esident 
Roberts, upon this subject, which embiaces the views of this Government, and wiiich I trust will 
meet the concurrence of the Indiana Colonisation Board. 

I htive the honor to be 

Your Bxcellency's most obedient servant, 

J, X. LEWLS, Secretary of State. 



[B.J 



[coPV.; 



GoVERMMEIfT HoCSg. 

Monrovia, Kebruaj'y 7th, 185-J. 



Sir :— I have had the honor of your favor of tli« 2^th ultimo, communicating the desire of the 
Indiana State Colonization Board to obtain, by purchase from this Government, a grant of land, 
"for y milfs square, bordering on the ^ea, at Grand Ciipe Mount, for the use of emigrants from 
the State of Indiana, &c., &c. 

In reply I have the honor to inform you, that during the last ses ion of the Legislature, I availed 
myself of the occasion to lay before that body the correspondence had between His Kiceltency 



14 

cJovernor Wright and myself, on the subjecl o( your letter. Accompanying is a copy of the 
resolve of the legislature, sustaining, as you will observe, the view I had taken of the question, 
in my letter to Governor Wright. 

The subject has been oi.e of an.\ious thought ; and I scarcely need remark, sir, that the govern- 
ment and people of Liberia are sincerely desirous of meeting, as far is appears to them compatible 
with tlieir interests, the wislies of the Indiana State Colonization Board. But for reasons already 
stated in my communication to Governor Wright, July 5th, 1853, and which I need not repeat 
here, as also in view of other considerat' ons which I have had the honor of stating to you verbally, 
the Government feel that the proposition of the Indiana S ate Colonization Board, for the purchase 
of a tract of land at Grand Cape Monnt, for the e.xclugive u«e of emigrants from that State, can- 
not consistantly be entertained. 

It is earnestly hoped, however, that some arrangement may be concluded to secure cooperaiion 
between tlie Government here and the Indiana Board, i:i the object contemplated. 

If I understand correctly, the object of the Indiana State Colo;iization Board is lo hold out 
additional inducements to the colored people of the State to emigrate to Liberia, by granting to 
each family so emigrating, one hundred acres of land. .\ow sir, it strikes me that this might be 
effected in a manner agreeable to all pirties. 

The Government of Liberia will readily allot a section of land in the Grand Cape Mount district 
for the locaxion of emigrants from the iState of Indiana ; and will assign to such emigrants town 
or farm lots, under existing regulations of this Government ; which may be increased in quantity, 
at the pleasure of the Indiana Board, by purchase from the Government at the established rates for 
public lands, or at prices agreed on between this Government and the Indiana Board; and the 
title froia the Government, vested immediately in the citizen immigrant. 

Grand Cape Mount is a desirable location for a settlement. But I may not omit to remind you, 
sir, of the necessity, in forming a new settlement there, of taking proper precautions against the 
treachery of the natiyes. 

I have now, sir, only to add —waiving the proposition for a grant of land — that the Government 
of Liberia will be most happy to cooperate with the Indiana State Colonization Board, in any 
measures it may think proper to adopt fr carrying out its benevolent objects, in reference to 
securing a home in Liberia for the colored people of that State. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Most respectfully, 

Yotir obedient servant, 
(Signed) J. J. ROBERTS. 



[C] 



Whereas, His Excellency the Trcsideut has laidliefore the Legislature for its consideration certain 
documents, a request of Hi.« Excelleocy Joseph A. Wright, Governor of the State of Indiana, 
United States of America, for a grant of the territory of Grand ©ape Mount, in favor of said 
State, for a losation for settling the free people of color, emigrating from laid State to Liberia, 
it is therefore 
Resolved, by the Senate and House of R'.presentatices of the Republic of Liberia, in Legislature 

assembled. That we concur in tlie proceedings of His Excellency the President in his reply to the 

correspondence of His Excellency Joseph A. Wright, Governor of the State of Indiana, United 

States of America. 
Further, that it would be impolitic for this Government to grant to any Government, Society or 

panics, land with an exclusive right to apportion »aid land or territory as they may deem proper. 



15 

to the exclusion of any company of emigrants emigrating to Liberia, or to give any Government, 
Society or parties jurisdiction of whutever nature, over any portion of our territorial hmits. 

/!'«r£Acr, ihat tlie President be and he is hereby requested to extend eviry facility and favor he 
may deem justifiable in the premises, to the request of His Excellency Governor Wright, for car- 
rying out the act of the State of Indiana (or the colonization of free people of color from that 
State, in Liberia. 

B. V. R. JAMES, 
Spraker of the Uotise of Representatives. 
A. D. WILLIAMS, 
Vice President Republic Liberia. 
Approved 98th Decenibcr, 1853. 
J. J. ROBERTS. 
A true Copy, 

J. N. Lgwis, Secretary cf .^tale. 



[I).] 



ANNUAL MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT ROBERTS. 

Gentlemen of the Senate, 

and of the House of Representatives : 

It is my duty on the present occasion of your meeting to inform 
you of the condition of the Republic. And I cannot, perhaps, com- 
mence in a manner more appropriate than by erecting another Ebe- 
nezer, !?aying, '■^Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Every revolving 
year brings with it cause of congiatulation and tliankfulness to God 
that the great work in which we are engaged, of rearing up on these 
barbarous shores a Christian Stat •, is onward in its march, by grad- 
ually developing its practicability and excellence. 

During the year that has just passed, a kind Providence has 
watched over us for good, and our country has been signally 
blessed in all its relations. Every important interest of the govern- 
ment and people teems to bear the marks of Divine favor and 
approbation. No pestilence has afflicted our land ; but, on the con- 
trary, an unusual degree of health has been dispensed to its inhabi- 
tants. The agricultural prospects of the country were never more 
encouraging than at the present time — in no year of the Republic 
have the labors of the husbandman been more abundantly rewarded. 
The mercantile interests oi' tho country seems to be in a healthful 
sia'e; our merchants are extending their operations by opening up 
new sources of commerce; and their efforts are producing very sat- 
isfactory results, not only in reference to products and trade, but the 
prosperity attending these branches of industry and enterprise has 
given an impulse to general improvement decidedly encouraging. 
Our educational interests have also been blessed — the educational 
facilities extended to the people through missionary enterprise and 
the benevolence of private individuals in the United States, are now 
more extensive than ever before, and promise much good to the 
youth of our several communities — who, I am glad to say, are 



18 

availing themselves of these advantages, and are making gratifying 
advancements in the various branches of useful knowledge. But 
above all, God has been pleased to bless the people with a gracious 
visitation of his churches — inspiring them with a spirit of pure and 
undefiled religion — thereby wonderfully extending the inestimable 
benefits of Christianity among the idolatrous tribes of this land, and 
dispelling the gloom of moral night which has so long overshadowed 
them. 

These blessings, gentlemen, are not fortuitous, but sure indications 
of Divine protection and favor, and should create in the minds of 
our fellow-citizens, generally, as I doubt not they do, feelings of 
devout gratitude and praise to that beneficent Being who, in his 
goodness, continues to favor us with such distinguished mercies. 
And in this connection I am impressed with the belief, and there is 
certainly nothing in it presumptuous or extravagant, that the pros- 
perity of our country, resulting from these blessings of Providence, 
has a relation to something out of it, and beyond itself Its mean- 
ing, evidently, is subservience to' the good of Africa; and to my 
mind is sufficient proof that God is forming this people for himself; 
that He has raised up Liberia to exert a special agency in the great 
work of redeeming this vast peninsula from barbarism, superstition, 
and idolatry. 

I maintain fully the doctrine that "God has just as really' a work 
for nations to do as he has for individuals;" and that there may be 
just as much of speciality in one case as there is in the other. If 
diversity of position, gifts, and social relations, lays the foundation 
for a difference of action and influence as it respects individual per- 
sons, why may not the same diversity, existing as it does among the 
great masses of men, present a reason for special exertion and influ- 
ence, as it respects particular nations? And this appears to me to 
be consistent with the history of nations in all ages. In the wise 
economy of God each nation has its particular work assigned it, and 
is responsible for its performance. Many considerations lead to this 
conclusion. And, in relation to Africa, it would seem that the past 
history of Liberia clearly indicates some special design in Provi- 
dence, some intimation that through her the conflict between truth 
and error, between freedom and slavery, is to be decided, and the 
victory given to eternal righteousness in the elevation of down-trod- 
den Africa. A single glance at the past and we readily see there 
was something in the first planting of these settlements, something 



19 

in the rhaiacter of the men who formed ihe nucleus of this Com- 
monwealth, which is altogether peculiar, and seems plainly to indi- 
cate some special design. Perhaps no other nation began its exist- 
ence under circumstances so peculiarly embarrassing as ours. But 
the men who laid the foundation of Liberia's existence were chosen 
and precious. They were not men of extensive learning, or of great 
wealth, but enterprising, conscientious men, imbued with the princi- 
ples of freedom. Keenly alive to the wrongs they were suffering, 
they fled from grinding oppression to this, their fatherland, to estab- 
lish and enjoy, in government and religion, what is set forth in the 
Bible as the birth-right of all men, and the foundation of all advance 
in human well-being. 

The settlement of Liberia by such a class of men was a great 
event in the Providence of God, and seemed most clearly to point 
out His purposes; and to our election for some special and mighty 
agency in the work of rescuing this continent from the iron grasp 
of ignorance and sin. And, gentlemen, do we not see indications 
also of the same design in the training to which the infancy of Li- 
beria was subjected. Means and ends have a connection : — by the 
character of one we are led to look for something answering to it 
in the other, A remarkable antecedent in the Providence of God 
foreshadows to us peculiarity of design in the sequence. And this 
is clearly illustrated by the strange facts in the early history of 
Israel. The wonderful providence in reference to that people must 
have made a deep impression on all reflecting minds that God was 
forming them for some great end, that He was training them for 
some mighty agency in the work of his mercy to man. 

The beginning betokened the design. And so we may reason in 
reference to Liberia. In the annals of no other country, Israel alone 
excepted, is there to be found such a series of trials, such a wrestling 
with difficulties, such scenes of imminent peril, and of signal deliv- 
erance. At every step we have been made to see our danger, and 
the land of God in our rescue from it. 

And, gentlemen, what could be more remarkable than that Piovi- 
denoe, which, notwithstanding our feebleness, advanced us so rapidly 
to the position of acknowledged nationality ? and gave to our insti- 
tutions a character so simple and free, at the same time wholesome 
and efficient, admirably calculated to develop the energies of the 
people, and to exalt them in intelligence and virtue; institutions 
whose influence, like the congenial atmosphere we breathe, pervade^* 



20 

all, sustains all, and yet interfeies with no act tl.at is right ; allows 
the fullest, freest exercise of thought and feelings, of everything com- 
patible with the existence of virtue — the foundation of all freedom. 

Here government is purely a benevolent arrangement, looking 
to the good of Africa, affording encouragement to the process of 
civil, social, and religious improvement among her children, leading 
them to the elevation where, in the Providence of God, I believe 
they are destined to rise — "that they may see good days wherein 
they have seen evil." 

That Liberia has been trained in the school of a particular provi- 
dence, and has been raised up for a particular work, in my mind 
scaicely admits of a doubt. And the character and extent of that 
particular work seems to me equally clear. And, gentlemen, those 
wonderful providences towards us should lead us to feel secure in 
God while we walk in the path which He hath marked out for us. 

1 am sensible, gentlemen, that this subject has long engaged your 
attention, and that you are deeply interested in the welfare of the 
heathen around us, and especially those, in the Providence of God, 
placed under our immediate care; and I doubt not, you will adopt 
such additional measures within your reach, as will bring them 
more speedily to the enjoyment of all the blessings of civilization 
and Christianity. 

Considering the state of these people — so debased and degraded, 
through long ages of neglect and misery — it is exceedingly gratify- 
ing to observe the great and important changes which are now so 
rapidly being wrought in the social and moral condition of many of 
lihiem. And these changes are steadily going forward, aflTecting not 
X)nly the tribes immediately within the bounds of the government, 
,but lixeir influence is penetrating into the inteiior, and will ulti- 
mately and speedily be felt by those at the remotest distance. So 
far, certainly, the end has been commensurate with the means. And 
it is a matter of great encouragement to know that there is still an 
increasing willingn^ess, on the part of the natives, to accept the be- 
nevolent offers of instruction held out to them by the gQvernment, 
and by Christian associations. "Do good and communicate to all 
wen as you have opportunity," I may repeat here is a Divine com- 
mand, and strictly applies to us in reference to the improvement of 
the aborigines of this land. And I know this to be your most 
earnest desire. 

Gentlemen, I feel great satisfaction in being able to inform . you 



21 

that since the last meeting of the Legislature nothing has occurred 
to disturb the friendly relations hap[)ily subsisting between this gov- 
ernment and foreign powers. No cause of complaint seems now lo 
exist, on the part of foreign merchants and traders, in relation to our 
commercial regulations; butt'uir intercourse with the citizens of 
the Republic, as far as have come lo my knowledge, is harmonious 
and conciliatory. 

We continue to receive from her Brittannic Majesty's Govern- 
ment assurances of friendly concern for our welfare. From the 
French Government we are also receiving tangible proofs of the in- 
terest his Imperial Majesty feels in the future prosperity of this infant 
State. As a present to this government, the French Minister of 
War has forwarded, recently, one thousand stand of arms, to be fol- 
lowed shortly — as advised by our agent in Paris — by an equal num- 
ber of equipments for our militia. I am happy also to inform the 
Legislature that, during the year just passed, the independence of 
Liberia has been formally recognized by his Belgian Majesty — ac- 
companied with expressions of friendship, and warmest wishes for 
our success and happiness. By recent intelligence from the United 
States I am assured that the cause of African Colonization, and of 
Liberia, is rapidly growing into public favor in that country. I re- 
gret, however, to have to acquaint the Legislature that the contem- 
plated exploration by Commander Lynch, of the country lying east 
of this Republic, is, for the present, at least, given up. 

I am aware that our fellow-citizens entertained encouraging hopes 
that this benevolent enterprise, on the part of the United States 
Government, would be carjied into immediate execution. I know 
of no project — whether considered in relation to the development 
of the resources of the country, and the extension of commercial 
enterprise, or whether with a view to the spread of civilization and 
Christianity — that promises more real good to Liberia and to Africa 
in general, than an exploration of the interior just at this juncture. 
Unfortunately for us, our limited pecuniary resources will not allow 
us to undertake the work. We will, therefore, hope that the enter- 
prise will not be wholly abandoned by the government of the United 
Slates. 

I am gratified in being able to inform the Legislature that, with 
one or two exceptions,* the public peace among the native tribes 
within our jurisdiction, has been steadily maintained, and among 



22 

the tribes by whom we are surrounded, I .im happy to say, the best 
feeling towards this government prevails. 

I have to state, and it is a matter of regret, that the efforts of the 
government to produce a reconciliation between certain Vey and 
Golah Chiefs, and restore peace to the country bordering on our 
northwest frontier, have not been as completely successful as could 
be wished. Notwithstanding every effort on the part of this 
government to accommodate the differences between them, in the 
early part of the present year their affairs grew worse, and assumed 
an aspect which threatened the most fearful consequences. The 
Vey Chiefs were obstinate — received our commissioners coldly — 
and disregarded every overture made to them for an amicable ad- 
justment of the disputes and difficulties which were distracting the 
country. Nothing but war could satisfy their claims. Indeed, one 
of their chieftains, Boombo, encouraged by George Cane, of Giand 
Cape Mount, became so emboldened as to extend his depredations 
into the Dey country — sacking and burning towns and vil'ages — 
murdering scores of the inhabitants, and carrying off hundreds of 
others into captivity. 

Mattel's being driven to this extremity, no alternative was left the 
government but to take immediate, decisive, and coercive mea^;ures 
to check — nay, to put an end to these acts of aggression and cruelty. 
Therefore, in conformity with a resolution of the Legislature, adopted 
at its session in December last, " authorizing the Executive to employ 
the most feasible, and if necessary, forcible measures, for the purpose 
of bringing about a speedy termination of the existing difficulties 
and wars in the vicinity of Grand and Little Cape Mount;" early 
in the month of March a detachment of two hundred and fifty m'en, 
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel McGill, was ordered to 
proceed to Little Cape Mount — to afford protection to the peaceable 
inhabitants of that district — to maintain the authority of the gov- 
ernment — and to apprehend the offending chiefs, that they might be 
brought to answer for the gross violation of their solenm engage- 
ments with this government, to abstain from all wars; and that they 
be required to make reparation for the wrongs they had committed 
on unoffending tribes. 

On the arrrival of the troops at Little Cane Mount — after some 
(lelay — all the principal Chiefs on both sides — except two — were as- 
sembled, and an investigation commenced of the matters in dispute 



23 

between them, and of the chiefs who were implicated in the out- 
rages committed on the Dey tribe. These matters, however, were 
found to be exceedingly complicated, and likely to consume much 
time in their adjustment; it was, therefore, thought advisable that 
the chiefs, who readily consented, should repair at a time fixed, to 
Monrovia, where the investigation would be resumed, and a final 
settlement of all the difficulties between them. In the meantime 
the atrocious criminality of Boombo being clearly apparent, he was 
arrested, and conveyed to this place, and handed over to the civil 
authority for judicial examination. 

He has been tried and found guilty, on the fullest testimony, of 
all the charges alledged against him, and is now in prison undergo- 
ing the penalty of the law. With apparently deep hunnlity and 
contrition, he acknowledges the enormity of his crime, and admits 
the justice of the punishment awarded him. Several Dey Chiefs 
have recently joined, under assurances for his future good conduct, be- 
lieving, as they say, he was influenced wholly by George Cane, who 
has now abandoned his interest, to ask the clemency of the Govern- 
ment in his behalf. I submit their request to the consideration of the 
Legislature, simply remarking, gentlemen, that perhaps under all th.e 
circumstances, some commutation of his sentence might possibly be 
a matter of policy consistent with prudence. 

I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that the measures 
taken by the Government, in reference to the Vey Chiefs, residing 
at Little Cape Mount, though not producing all the good effects de- 
sired, proved very beneficial by restoring peace to that neighbor- 
hood, and enabling the natives — especially of the Dey Country — to 
resume their agricultural pursuits, which in consequence of the dis- 
turbed state of the country had for some time been neglected; and 
but for the timely interference of the Government, another year 
would have found them almost wholly destitute and in great 
distress. 

George Cane failed in his promise to meet the other chiefs here in 
April last, and I have reason to believe he has united with the Chief 
of Gorronamra, and has recently made one or two predatory incur- 
sions into the eastern section of the Golah country. The intelli- 
gence, however, is not certain. I shall nevertheless be able, doubt- 
less, during your present session, to give you further and more 
definite information in regard to him. With George Cane, war 



24 

seems to be a ruling passion. No persuasion, I fear, wiil restrain 
him from shedding the blood of his defenseless brethren. But that 
he must be checked, gentlemen, is certain. Common safety lequiies 
it, justice and humanity demand it, and these claims are not to be 
resisted. If, therefore, it shall be established that George Cane is 
yet carrying on his predatory wars, some measure should be speedily 
adopted to restiain him. I am happy to inform the Legislature, that 
with this exception, no serious discord seems to exist among the 
tribes within the jurisdiction of the Republic. 

The state of affairs in relation to Trade Town remains unchanged 
— excepting, which was very desirable, that a reconciliation between 
Boyer and Jim Flo of Trade Town Point, has recently been effected. 
Boyer, however, has not yet fulfilled all his engagements with the 
government — especially in not having secured and delivered up for 
trial the person of Grando — whom he aided in the attacks upon our 
settlements in the county of Grand Bassa, in the year 1851. He 
has paid five hundred dollars in consideration of his misconduct on 
that occasion; but protests his inability, in consequence of Grando 
having escaped out of the country, to appiehend him. In every 
other respect he promises implicit obedience, and is constant in his 
assurances of fidelity to the government, and earnestly entreats that 
its ban upon him, in relation to commercial intercourse, may be re- 
moved. And perhaps it is due to him that I should state that not- 
withstanding the dubiousness of his motives, in one instance, 
certainly, he has demeaned himself in a manner which entitles him 
to some credit. A few months since a Portuguese slaver attempted 
to revive the slave trade in that district, and Boyer, with some 
others, engaged to deliver him, within a certain number of days, 
two hundred slaves, and received In advance a portion of the pur- 
chase money ; in the mean time, however, Boyer communicated to 
the authorities at Grand Bassa, information of what was going on, 
which enabled the government to take measures to frustrate the 
whole design. 

But, gentlemen, with respect to Boyer, I may also state that hith- 
erto, than he, no chiefs within the bounds of the Republic, George 
Cane and Grando perhaps excepted, has been guilty of grosser de- 
ception and unblushing duplicity in all his intercourse with the gov- 
ernment. For this reason, in connection with his failure to arrest 
Grando, whose escape from Trade Town, there were good reasons 



25 

to believe, he favored, indeed advised, I have not thought proper to 
withdraw the interdict prohibiting trade and intercourse with that 
territory. 

It will now rest with the judgment of the Legislature to decide 
how far hi^ recent conduct nnerits future confidence; also to deter- 
mine whether any other detnand shall be made in lieu of the stipu- 
lation for the delivery of Grando — which was a covenant of the first 
importance — and also whether the inteidict, in reference to trade, 
shall be raised. 

I am gratified in being able to state, gentlemen, that no measure 
hitherto adopted by this government for the punishment of gross 
misconduct on the part of native chiefs, especially those residing 
near the coast, has produced more satisfactory results than the in- 
terdiction, and the firmness with which it has been maintained, of 
commercial intercourse with Trade Town. I am satisfied it has 
given a stability to the authority of the government which no other 
measure could have produced in so short a time. And I am clearly 
of opinion that a similar policy, in reference to Grand Cape Mount, 
or the establishing of a settlement there, will have to be adopted to 
restrain George Cane from indulging that indomitable propensity for 
war which seems to possess him. The natives of that neighborhood 
report that he boasts of his intention to continue the war, and 
should the government send troops to chastise him, he his only to 
retire for a few weeks into the interior, beyond their reach, and 
when the troops shall have left the country I e will return to prose- 
cute his desijrns. Such, doub less, are his reasonings, as he is aware 
of the impracticability of maintaining a military force in the coun- 
try for any length of lime. The antidote, however, is an interdict 
of commercial intercourse with Grand Cape Mount. 

Close up the channels through which he obtains his supply of 
arms and other munitions of war, and in a very short time he will 
be powerless, and, like Boyer, will return to his allegiance to the 
government. 

In this connection, gentlemen, I am happy to state that the suc- 
cessful attack, by the troops of the Republic, in 1852, on Boyer's 
fortified town, which was supposed by the natives to be impregna- 
ble, has, 1 am persuaded, fully established, in regard to the natives, 
the invincibility of our arms, and that in future the authority of the 
government is not likely to be opposed by open force. 

Nevertheless, I beg to remind the Legislature of the importance 



26 

of continuing a well organized nnilitia, which, in reference to the 
natives, seems to be the only thing that can give them an idea of 
the power of the goveinment. And, gentlemen, this is not the only 
consideration which should draw the attention of the Legislature to 
the necessity of cherishing and maintaining an efficient tnilitary force. 
We have settlements i emote and vveak, surrounded on all sides by 
savage tribes who delight in war, and whose cupidity is easily ex- 
cited, and which, in many ins'ances, is only restrained by a know- 
ledge of the readiness and power of the government to punish their 
temerity. It becomes us, therefore, to be prepared for any emer- 
gency. Our citizens should be thoroughly trained in the use of arms, 
and for acting together if called into the field. But to effect this 
satisfactorily, our present militia s}stem requires revision. And I 
would recommend it, gentlemen, to your careful attention, with the 
hope that you will adopt such improvements as shall give promise of 
greater efficiency to this arm of public defense. 

It has been suggested, gentlemen, in respectable quarters, that the 
Legislature, at its present session, should take into serious considera- 
tion the necessity of recommending to tfie people some amendments 
to the Constitution, which the times seem to demand. 

An amendment to the 11th section of the 1st article, which de- 
fines the right of suffrage, is suggested as being particularly desira- 
ble. The object of this amendment, it appears, is to provide against 
abuses of the elective franchise; as also against evils which it is sup- 
posed are likely to arise in the event of a large influx of immigrants 
on the eve of an election, who, according to existing regulations, 
are permitted, immediately on their arrival in the Republic, to draw 
lands under a certificate; which certificate, as expressed in the law, 
gives only an "imperfect right" in the land until certain improve- 
ments shall have been made on it, when said cerLificate may be ex- 
changed for a deed in fee simple. 

The section of the constitution referred to provides that "every 
male citizen of twe:ity-one years of age, possessing real estate, shall 
have the right of suffrage." By some it is held that persons holding 
land under certificate come within the meaning of this section; 
others maintain that the word possession, as employed in this con- 
nection, was intended to imply absolute right or title — a freehold 
estate in one's own right, subject to no conditions; therelore, the 
party holding land by certifi<^ate only, cannot claim under it the 
privilege of voting. This subject, by some means, came up before 



27 

the Legi.slalure at its last session, when the following Bill, entitled 
"An Act defining the right entitling male citizens to suffrage," was 
adopted, viz: 

"That from and after the passage of this Act, all male citizens of 
twenty-one years of age, who have drawn lands, and holding a cer- 
tificate, ;-howing the time at which said lands were drawn, thereby 
giving the drawer i)ossession, shall be considered possessors of real 
estate, and allowed the right of suffrage during the term which is 
allowed by law for the improvement of said lands." This definition 
of the Legislature, however, though observed at the late general 
election, does not settle the question at issue. Indeed, instead of 
satisfying the objections that had been raised, it has given rise to 
new grounds of comj)laint, and has also excited no little animadver- 
sion among the people. It is contended that the act of defining is 
in itself unconstitutional, and though adopted possibly as a fiction of 
policy, it is calculated to establish a precedent of a most dangerous 
tendency, at once repugnant to, and subversive of the first principles 
of the Constitution. And, gentlemen, it must be admitted that the 
arguments carry with them some weight. It is too well known, 
scarcely to require mention that in forming the Constitution no one 
principle was kept more prominently before the Convention than a 
division of the three great powers of the government, legislative, 
judicial, and executive; that they should be independent of and sep- 
arate from each other — each confined to the discharge of the proper 
and legitimate functions assigned it. Under this wise and judicious 
arrangement it is for the Legislature to make laws, not to interpret 
them — those even of the least importance, much less the fundamen- 
tal law of the Constitution. To weigh words and sentences, to de- 
fine their distinct and legal meaning, especially in reference to the 
provisions of the Constitution, is for another department of the 
government, not the Legislature. 

However, it was this action of the Legislature principally, I be- 
lieve, that suggested the idea of amending the Constitution. But, 
gentlemen, while I confess that in my opinion, some amendments to 
the Constitution, consistent with the interests of the people, and per- 
hfips at the present time demand, are desirable, I am also of opinion 
that no such necessity exists for the purposes contemplated, in re- 
gard to the section referred to. It is, nevertheless, quite plain that 
the subject which has led to these reflections is one of much impor- 
tance, and is entitled to the serious and candid consideration of the 



28 

Legislature. The abuses comj)!ained of, and the evils likelv to arise 
from the causes to which I have alluded, are such, gentlemen, as 
should be remedied and provided against. And the remedies to be 
ap[)lied are clearly within the scope of the powers of the Legisla- 
ture. A slight revision of the law regulating elections will correct 
the one, and the passage of a naturalization law will secure the 
object desired in regard to the other. 

Gentlemen, in a young and prosperous State, where with each re- 
volving year, the power and resources of the Government and the 
energies of the people are being rapidly developed, it becomes fre- 
quently expedient to make new laws, or modify old ones, to meet 
the exigencies of afl'airs growing out of these changes; hence the 
frequent recurrence of your meetings. 

And coming, as you do, from all parts of the Republic, it is pre- 
sumed that you are acquainted with the particular wants of the 
people, having learned from them the practical operations of old 
raws and the expediency of enacting new ones. It is, theiefore, 
expected, gentlemen, that your atlention will be drawn to a leview 
of the present code, in all its branches, and that you will make such 
additional laws or amendments as the general good may require or 
that circumstances may justify. I may, however, be permitted to 
invite your particular attention to the navigation, commerce, and 
revenue law, which, in view of the extension of trade, requires, in 
my opinion, some alterations, which I will take occasion at an early 
day to lay before you, necessary to its efficiency, and at the same 
time will be atTording greater facilities and encouragement to com- 
mercial enterprise. 

I am not aware, gentlemen, ot any very impoitant changes ne- 
cessary to be made in the Judiciary. The present system, though 
susceptible of improvement, works well, except, perhaps, so much 
as relates to the probate court, whose power should be increased to 
enable it to act with more promptness in the settlement of estates. 
I recommend the whole system, however, to the careful attention of 
the Legislature. Nothing, certainly, is more interesting to the pub- 
lic happiness, than the faithful administration of justice. To this 
branch ol' the political oiganization the citizen looks with confidence 
for the protection and security of his rights, and for the redress of 
grievances. Before the court he presents himself, with full assurance 
that just recompense will be awarded him for wrongs which he may 
have suffered from the hands of others. It is, therefore, important 



29 

that every facility for carrying the laws into prompt and faithful 
execution should be provided. And I may also add, that it is equally 
important that the rules of legal proceedings before the several 
courts should be made as simple as possible, stripped of all unneces- 
sary technicalities, and br#ught within the comprehension of every 
citizen. 

I beg also, gentlemen, to draw your attention lo the subject of 
education, than which no subject is more vitally in)portant to the 
future welfare and prosperity of our infant State. The government 
being immediately under the influence and control of the people ; 
wisdom and knowledge, as well as viiiue, diffused generally among 
them, are as absolutely necessary to ihe support and stability of the 
government, as lor the preservation of their rights and liberties, and 
as these depend on spreading the opportunities and advantages of 
education in the various parts of the country, it is the duty of the 
Legislature to cherish and sustain, by every possible effort, this great 
interest. I am,sensible, gentlemen, of the deep solitude you feel in 
regard to (his subject; I am well aware that the limited state of the 
public finances, at the present time, will not ullow }0U to appropri- 
ate much money to this object. 1 doubt not, however, that you 
will encourige, to the extent of your ability, those missionary socie- 
ties and other institutions which are promoting among us the means 
of education, as well as true religion; and are preparing many of 
the youth of the Republic for useful employment both in Church 
and in State. I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that 
the Act of incorporation for "Liberia College" has been accepted 
by the gentlemen therein named as rrustees; that they have organ- 
ized themselves into a body corporate; and though their plans, I be- 
lieve, are not fully digested, we may hope that they will be able 
soon to carry the contemplated college into operation. It has been 
suggested, however, that some of the provisions of the charter are 
not as clear and as well defined as could be wished, therefore doubts 
might arise in regard to their true meaning, which it would be well 
to prevent by an amendatory act — a draft of which has been handed 
to me, and is herewith submitted for your consideiation. 

Another object of general interest which deserves the fostering 
care of the government, and which cannot fail to suggest itself to 
your attention, is agriculture. There are but few subjects that can 
enfer with greater force and merit into the deliberations of the Le- 
gislature than a consideration of the best means of promoting, es- 



30 

pecially among the native tribes, the agricultural interests of the 
country. This source of national independence and wealth I re- 
commend to the constant guardianship of the Legislature. 

The land along the banks of the St. Paul river, as far as Mills- 
burg, having been all taken up, ii has occurred to me, gentlemen, 
that great advantages might be secured by opening an avenue or 
road from the river, at some suitable point, leading into the interior; 
on each side of which farm lots may be laid out for the accommo- 
dation of new settlers. I have conferred with the gentleman who 
has charge of the Colonization Society's affairs, and the location of 
immigrants coming out under its auspices to this country upon this 
subject. He approves the plan, and thinks the society would not 
object to defray a portion of tiie expense thus incurred. I recom- 
mend the subject to the favorable consideration of the Legislature. 

Perhaps, gentlemen, of all the evidences of the prosperity of the 
country, the increase of population is the most unequivocal. And 
with respect to Liberia, the constitution requiring that the first enu- 
meration under it shall be ordered by the Legislature, this has not 
been ascertained since the year lSi3. I beg, therefore, to recom- 
mend to the particular attention of the Legislature the propriety of 
making provision, at the piesent session, for taking a census o renu- 
meration of the whole inhabitants of thu Republic, including the 
entiie aboriginal as well as the Americo-Liberian population. 

Gentlemen, I have the honor of laying betbre you a communica- 
tion from Governor Wright, enclosing an Act of the General As- 
sembly of the State of Indiana, in reference to the purchase of a 
tract of land in Liberia, as a loc ation for emigrants from that State. 
You will observe, gentlemen, that one of the provisions of the Act 
is opposed to the existing regulations of this government with re- 
gard to the allotment of lands to emigrants, and which, in my opin- 
ion, it would be impolitic to adopt. I have communicated to Gover- 
nor Wright my views respecting that provision, and have stated 
some of the reasons which make it inexpedient for this government 
to entertain it, and at the same time suggested a plan which I 
thought might meet the wishes of the General Assembly. Accom- 
panying is a copy of my letter. No further communication from 
Governor Wright, however, has been received. Nevertheless, in the 
meantime, I would ask an expression of the Legislature in regard to 
this subject, that the Executive might be prepared to act definitely 
should the question be revived. 



31 

I have an intimation, gentlemen, that a subject of much delicacy 
will probably be submitted to your consideration during the course 
of the present session. I allude to a petition which I understand 
will be laid before the Legislature by ]Mr. Jacob Vonbrum, and 
others, his relatives, of Grand Bassa, who claim the right of prop- 
erty in a certain tract of land in the aforesaid county, lying along 
Uie beach between the old settlement of Bassa Cove and Fishtowa 
Point. They rest their claim on a purchase alleged to have been 
made many years ago of King John, by their father, to secure the 
right of way to the coast. This being a subject of much impor- 
tance, I may state, for the information of the Legislature, that a 
portion of the tract claimed was purcha-ed — whether before or after 
the purchase alleged to have been made by Mr. Vonbrum's father is 
uncei tain— of King Joe Harris, by the New York and Pennsylvania 
Colonization Societies;* and was occupied in the year 1S34 by the 
immigrants landed from the ship Ninus, whose melancholy fate 
forms a part of the history of Liberia. And subsequently, in 1836, 
a council of the chiefs of the whole country, attended by Governor 
Buchanan and Dr. Skinner, was assembled at Fishtown, when, as 
appears from the document executed on the occasion, not only the 
purchase made of King Joe Harris was confirmed, but the remain- 
ing portion of the territory lying around the sweep of Bassa Cove 
was ceded to the Commonwealth. It also appears, from what I can 
learn, that Mr. Vonbrum's father was represented in this council, 
but no claim was set up. in his behalf, or any reservation made in 
his favor. I beg, however, to add that while the rights of the gov- 
ernment should be strictly guarded and looked after, individual 
rights are no less sacred, and that justice to Mr. Vonbrum and those 
connected with him in the claim referred to, demands that a candid 
and careful investigation of the whole matter be had by the Legis- 
lature, and if the claim can be established, that their rights be 
secured. 

I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that the progress 
of repairs and improvement of public buildings has been as favor- 
able as circumstances have permitted. For want of funds, no 
measures have yet been taken to commence the building ordered to 

* This territory was negotiated for by Robeit McDowall, M. D., on the part of the " Youno 
Men's Colonization Society or Pem<3ylvania." Tlie Deed bears date December 2, 1834. The 
first settlement on saiii land was ni»de by the Pennsylvania Society with moneys contributed 
principally by citizens of Philadelphia. The New York State Colonization So«iety was not 
known in the purchase or the purchase considerations. — Editor Col. Herald. 



32 

be erected in this city for the Executive residence. I am happy to 
say, however, that the prospects are now more lavoiable. and that 
the work may he commenced, during the present season, under a 
fair prospect of being prosecuted to completion within a reasonable 
time, i would also invite your attention to the dilapidated condi- 
tion of the light-house on Ca()e Mesurado, which is almost entirely 
unfit for use. I recommend that provision be made for the erection 
of a new hou-e, more suitable to the purpose, and lor supplying a 
camp better adapted to the wants of the mariner. A further a|ipro- 
priation for the erection of the prison in the county of Grand Bassa 
is found to be necessary, and to which I would ask your particular 
attention. Your consideration is also invited to the accompanying 
communication from Mr. Edward Hall, of Greenville, Sinon, re- 
questing, on behalt of the proprietors of the saw-mill in that county, 
that the Government will extend to them such aid as will enable 
them to carry forward more successfully their operations. 

The estimates of the appropriations necessary ibr the ensuing year, 
together with an account of the receipts and expenditures at the 
treasury will be laid before the Legislature at an early day. In the 
account, gentlemen, you will observe that the expenses of the year 
have been greatly, though unavoidably, increased by the necessity 
of maintaining, for several months, a garrison at the new settlement 
of Buchanan, as also by the ex[)ediiion to Little Cape Mount, and 
other measures which the Government has been compelled to adopt 
for the purpose of settling disputes and difliculties among certain 
native tribes, and putting an end to their cruel and destructive wars. 
But we may reasonably hope that the harmony now so generally 
subsisting between the several tribes will continue, and that in future 
there will be no occasion for expending any considerable amount of 
jnoney to rr)aintain this good understanding and preserve |)eace. 

I may not omit to mention in this place, also, that we are under 
renewed obligations both to the American and to the New York 
State Colonization Societies for pecuniary assistance rendered the 
Government during the year, and wl ich arrived very opportunely 
lo relieve it of some pressing demands. 

In the report of the Secretary of the Treasury the slate of the 
public finances will be fully shown. 1 have gre it pleasure, however* 
of stating here, that the condition and prospects of the revenue are 
decidedly encouraging — indeed, quite equal to our most sanguine 
expectation. 



33 

During the yfar just passed the revenue has been more consider- 
able than durii g any former year. And from the increased, and 
still increasing trade, and commercial facilities, bringing into the 
Republic large quantities of m* rchandise, it may be safely estimated 
that the revenue which will be received into the treasury from that 
source during the present year, will considerably exceed the amount 
of n ceipts of the year just ended. It is, therefore, confidently 
hoped that with the means which the Government will have at its 
disposal, from various sources, during the yeai, not only its ordinary 
expenses will be met, but all its present liabilities will be discharged, 
and that such public improvements may be made as are thought to 
be particularly necessary. 

The receipts, into the treasury, from all sources, for the fiscal year 
ending 30th September last, have been 35,093 dollars, while the 
public expenditures to the same period have amounted to $32,072; 
leaving in the treasury on that day, exclusive of sundry merchandise 
in public warehouse, $2,695. I may also add, there is now due the 
treasury, from various sources, the sum of $7,963; and the present 
liabilities of the Government, including $5,738 due to foreigners, 
amount to $13,925 ; leaving a balance against the Government at 
the period above named of $6,062. 

It is my duty to inform the Legislature that the strictest account- 
ability has been observed by the officers who have been chai"ged 
with the management of the fiscal concerns of the Government. 
No delinquency has been discovered. And as the period for which 
many of the officers who have been associated with me in the ad- 
ministration of public affairs, during the present Presidential term, 
expires with the current year, I avail myself of this occasion to as- 
sure the Legislature that the officers, generally, have manifested 
their b:st endeavors in the discharge of their respective duties, and 
I am gieatly indebted to them for their cordial support and co-ope- 
raiion in everything which has been suggested for the advancement 
and benefit of he public interest. But, gentlemen, in the afflicting 
dispensations of Divine Providence, during the year, tw'o of our 
most distinguished fellow-citizens anJ public servants, have been re- 
moved by death. To say that Hon. H. Teage and James Brown 
are no more, is but to open afresh the founta n of public grief. But 
while we bow in humble submission to the afflicting hand of Divip.e 
Piovidence; the earnestness of language, the force of arguments, 

and the commanding eloquence of our late Secretary of State, can 
R. McK.-3 



34 

never be erased from the memory of those who have listened to his 
patriotic appeals in this Chamber, in advocacy of Liberia's rights 
and national interests. Superior genius and talents vveie his, and 
his mind endovi^ed by nature with a lively imagination, and a re- 
markal'ie degree of logical strength, admirably fitted him for the 
many responsible public stations, which through the course of many 
years, l;e «as called to fill. 

And (except that his public career numbered fewer years) less 
may not be said in reference to the public .services of the late ex- 
Senator Brown, whose love of country knew no bounds, whose 
ardour increased in proportion to the difficulties which surrounded 
it, and when danger threatened, no personal sacrifice was too great 
for him to make for the public weal. It is not for me, however, to 
pronounce here an eulogium on the public life and character of 
these eminent men. Their public deeds are identified with, and be- 
long to the history of Liberia, and will be recorded on its pages. 

Gentlemen, in the above I have submitted for your information, 
and have recommended to your consideration such objects of public 
concern as occurred to me worthy your particular attention and 
serious deliberation. I may, however, during the course of your 
session, have occasion to invite your attention to other matters of 
interest connected to the common weal. In the meantime, gentle- 
men, I am fully persuaded tl.at youi" own '/eal for the interest of 
your fellow-citizens will readily suggest to you ot" er subjects of im- 
portance which will claim your immediate attention. 

It is a matter of congratulation that the views which I have been 
able to lay before the Legislature of our aftairs — foreign and domes- 
tic — presents gialifying and indubitable proofs of the continued 
prosperity of our country. 

And in conclusion, gentlemen, allow me to say that I atn deeply 
sensible of the arduousness as well as of the importance of the 
labors in which you are now about to engage. To your guardian- 
ship are committed the rij^hts and interests of the whole people ol 
this Republic; and your first care is to preserve and foster these by 
good and wholesome laws, thereby laying deep the foundation of 
Liberia's future happiness and pro-perity. And, gentlemen, 1 
scarcely need remind you that the prosperity of a nation depends 
much upon the purity of its patriotism — especially of its legislators. 
If tl.is be founded on the broad and solid basis of right, political 
economy, as well as moral philosophy, pledges to it the possession 



35 

of every object which lies within the grasp of national desire. If 
we desire to seek our country's good; to see her people prosperous 
and happy ; her government permanent and just; and her national 
character high and commanding, this is true patriotism — a passion 
which, if controlled by virtuous principles, leads to much that is 
generous in sentiment, elevated in purpose, and noble in action. 
Men, however, do not always distinguish between the popular and 
the true notion of patriotism. Local attachment is a radical princi- 
ple in the constitution of man, and often leads him to that popular 
notion of patriotism which is selfish in its objects, and in its domes- 
tic relations devoted to sectional interests. B\t this is not true pa- 
triotism — that patriotism which, unbounded by county lines, or 
sectional prejudices, is founded upon the law of benevolence; and 
when exercised, extinguishes a thousand jealousies which are ever 
ready to interrupt public harmony. True patriotism is, in its very 
nature, virtuous; doing right, which is virtue itself. It aims by 
equal legislation, extending to the remotest angles of the country 
to encourage and support the interests of all. 

Acting ourselves, gentlemen, upon these principles of a pure and 
high-minded patriotism, and inculcating them in the rising genera- 
tion, then shall our patrimony be also that of our children — and 
Liberty, having here found a home, shall abide for ever. 

Gentlemen, I have now only to assure you of my cheerful con- 
currence and assistance, where required, to promote the discharge of 
}Our present duties. And my earnest i)rayer is, that your minds 
may be drawn to that Almighty Being, the source of all wisdom and 
knowledge, and from whence come all earthly blessings, that He 
will enlighten your understandings, and so direct your deliberations 
that whatever measures you may adopt they shall tend to the perpe- 
tuity of our institutions, the improvement of society, and the spread 
of civilization and Christianity among the barbarous tribes of this 
continent. 

J. J. ROBERTS. 

Government House, Monrovia, Dec. 6ih. 1853. 



36 



It may not be out of place to re-publish the appeal of Wm. W. 
Fmdlay, in connection with this report, as he is referred to therein, 
and as some of his friends may wish to review it and again consider 
its sober truths : 

Appeal of Wm. W. Findlay^ to the Colored People of Indiana. 

Dear Friends: — The writer being a colored man, it may be sup- 
posed thai he desires the well being of his race, not a part of the 
colored race, but of the whole race of Africans, in this land and in 
Africa. Nor do 1 consider myself guilty of affectation, when I say, 
that I ardently desire their elevation, and am willing to contribute 
all I can to that end. It has long been an inquiry wilh me, how 
can our race be elevated ? How can colored men be made truly inde- 
pendent? After much anxious and painful inquiry, I have con- 
cluded, that to be truly independent, we must enjoy rights and 
privileges as broad and as liberal as those enjoyed by the white citi- 
zens of the United States. In other words, have the right of elect- 
ing our l.iw-makers, and our magistrates ; and all the offices of State 
should be accessible to our color ; and not only so, but we should 
be 'ree to move in such circles of society as we may be entitled to 
by our moral worth, character, and talents; and likewise free to 
form alliance with those classes of society. These, in my humble 
opinion, are the rights and privileges we must possess before we can 
be independent. 

But now let us inquire in candor, do we, as a people, enjoy such 
independence? Do colored men, in the most liberal of the northern 
States, enjoy such independence? You all know that they do not — 
the sad reverse is the case. And will the time soon come in the his- 
tory of American society, when the colored man will be permitted 
to enjoy such independence — independence, not only in civil things, 
but independence in all the more delicate matters of social equality? 
I must honestly confess I think not. And further, I am bold to con- 
fess that anything short of the above described independence will 
not satisfy me, nor should anything short satisfy the man of an 
independent spirit. 

But such independence we cannot obtain in the United States, 
therefore I will seek it outside the United States. / will seek it 
where I know I can find it, and thsit is m the Republic of Liberia, 



37 

which is the only christian Republic where the colored man can find 
a quiet and secure home. Nor do I act dishonorably in thus escap- 
ing from civil and social oppression, for I am only doing what thou- 
sands of the first and best settlers of the United States did, and I 
think it an honor to follow their example, in seeking liberty, though 
like them 1 be compelled to seek it in a wilderness. And the object 
of this appeal is to invite you who love true independence, and are 
willing to endure some toil to obtain it, to go with us to that land of 
liberty, where we may likewise aid in the elevation and enlighten- 
ment of our whole race, which duty is more obligatory on us, than 
upon the white race, many of whom are willing to sacrijice their 
lives and property in the work of converting Africa. 

Some of you may blame us for not staying in this land and con- 
tending for all the above rights of man. Our answer to all such 
complaints is this: we believe that civil slavery in this land will be 
abolished by Divine Providence without the co-operation of the free 
colored man ; he requires not our aid in this work — he can and will, 
in his own way, sweep slavery from tlie civil institutions of America. 
But I honestly doubt whether it is the will or order of Providence 
to grant us perfect social equality with the white race at this time, 
nor am I disposed to strive or quarrel with them for this favor, but 
would follow the example of Abraham, who disliked the strife that 
had sprung up between him and Lot, and religiously proposed sepa- 
ration as a remedy for the quarrel, and a means of perpetuating 
peace ; so we should separate from the white race, that we may be 
free and they enjoy peace; for, doubtless, God has given this land 
to them. Acting from the above religious and honorable views, we 
confidently expect that God will bless us in our movements. 

It is the design of the writer and some of his friends, to go out to 
Liberia about the month of October or November next, and it is 
desirable to have as many emigrants from Indiana as we can mus- 
ter. Liberia holds out many attractions for the man of color, but 
the greatest is that of liberty and independence. Thousands have 
gone from this land to that, and all who have been industrious have 
done well ; many of them are becoming wealthy, but what is best, 
they are all free ! Come, let us go and cast our lot in with them 
and be free likewise. If any of you have been cherishing the spirit 
of independence, and long for such freedom as the free Republic of 
Liberia offers, and if you desire a passage to that land, just let your 
wishes be known to the Agent of the American Colonization Society 



38 

in this State. Address Rev. J. Mitchell, at Indianapolis, who will 
be pleased to book your name as an emigrant and procure for you a 
passage out, and send you all the information that you may want. 
No lime should be lost — act now, act for yourselves, your children, 
and your race. 

WM. W. FINDLAY. 
Covington, Ind., April 6th, 1849. 



[E.] 

PLAN OF SETTLEMENT. 

At a public meeting of the Slate Board of Colonization held on 
the tidih of May, 1854, the foregoing report and accompanying 
documents were submitted to the B>ard, and after consideration, we 
submitted the following statement, founded thereon, which being 
considered was adopted, together with the appended resolutions: 

From all the evidence we can gather relating to this subject, we 
believe that Grand Cape Mount is the most desirable location for 
the Indiana settlement. "Africa would be preferable to Europe," 
said the French navigator, VillauU, in 1667, " if it xcere all like 
Cape Mount.''^ He launches out wish delight on the beauty of the 
prospects and the richness of the country. He says, "There you 
find oranges, almonds, melons, pumpkins, cherries, plumbs," and the 
abundance of animals was so great that the flesh was sold " for al- 
most nothing." An unvarying line of favorable testimony has been 
rendered, from the above date to the piesent time, by voyagers, vis- 
itors, and residents in regard to that point of the African Coast, and 
this delightful country is the location now put at our disposal for 
the use and benelit of our colored people who may desire to change 
their place of residence. 

And to secure this place for them, prompt measures have been 
adopted by this Board. Finding the Government of Liberia dis- 
posed to accommodate the slight difference that exists in relation to 
lands, by selling them at prices agreeable to this Board, the follow- 
ing resolutions were adopted at its last meeting: 

'^Resolved, That we will select the locality at Grand Cape Mount, 
on the African Coast, as the point for our Liberian settlement; and 
instruct the Secretary to make an appeal to the public, and to the 
churches, to raise the sum of three or four thousand dollars to meet 



40 

the wants of the case until such time as our existing law can 
be (^hanged. 

^^ Resolved, That the communication of President Roberts be so 
answered as to state the above determination of the Board, and di- 
rect him to call Wm. W. Findlay to his ;iid in the work of making 
said settlement." 

To carry out the intentions of the Board it will be found neces- 
sary to adopt a plan of settlement. 

A town or village should be planned, containing the following 
essential buildings: 

A large house for the reception of emigrants, where they can be 
cared for during the short period of their acclimating. 

A strong public store-house, so constructed as to furnish a pro- 
tection to the settlers, if such should be needed. 

And a large school-house which could be used as a church ; for 
schools and churches are indispensable to American civilization, and 
our colored friends in Liberia are not disposed to move one step 
without them — to them they give their earliest and greatest atten- 
tion. 

Such necessary structures will cost at least $3,000, and to eiect 
such, we have no State appropriation ; that on hand being for the 
transportation of emigrants and the purchase of 1 mds. This being 
the case the Board, as stated above, having directed us to make a 
prompt appeal to the friends of colonization in the State, and place 
the proposition to secure the means for the erection of those neces- 
sary buildings at once before t'le public as an object of benevolent 
efTort and contribution. 

We, therefore, design asking our friends who have the meansj, 
and who love to see the spread of our Christian civilization, to aid 
in this good work ; nor do we expect to ask in vain in thus laboring 
to give Africa an additional American colony, and in making the 
noble appropriation of our State available. 

A town must be planted at Grand Cape Mount, and such public 
buildings as those named above are indispensable to the beginning 
of a new settlement on the African coast; for when erected they 
form the neucleus of a town, around which the houses of the settlers 
arc built. The first, or temporary houses, for residence, are cheap 
structures, not costing over $30 or $40 dollars each ; yet notwith- 
stand they afford a safe and comfortable residence until such time 
as the emigrant has ability to erect better. 



41 

We thus, for the first time, publicly express the lioj-e that there 
are a number of men in Indiana who will give $100 each to this 
object; and we hope there are a larger number still, who will freely 
contribute $50, and others $30, and $'20. Will not the friends of 
Findlay, who aided him to go to Liberia, aid him in doing lasting 
good to posterity? We think him a true and trustworthy man, and 
just such an one as will succeed in his enterj)rise. 

With these preparatory remaiks, we now subniit the following 
resolutions for consideration and adoption : 

Resolved, That a correct list of all who contribute to t'le founda- 
tion of this settlement be preserved ; and thai such as contribute 
sums over five dollars, shall l.ave their names lecorded on a parch- 
ment record, and forwarded to the Government of Liberia, to be 
placed amongst the future records of the town of Grand Cape 
Mount. Adopted. 

Resolved, That we recommend this enterprise to the favorable 
consideration of a benevolent public. Adopted. 

The following resolution was submitted for reflection, to be con- 
sidered at the next public meeting of the Board, which will be called 
for that purpose by the call of the President : 

Resolved, That we invite the churches of Indiana to unite in the 
establishment of a mission school at Grand Cape Mount, for the 
benefit not only of the children of the settler, but likewise of the 
Yey nation. And to this end name a receiving committee of — 
persons to receive from their respective denonjinations such sums as 
may be forwarded to them for this object. 

The Vey nation, who reside in the (4rand Cape Mount country, are 
an intelligent tribe, capable of much improvement. They are Mo- 
hamadans, and consequently are not degraded by the errors of pagan- 
ism. They recognize the unity of the Deity; and in this age, when the 
delusions of the false prophet are about to be swept away, it will be 
an easy and agreeable work to inspire theiii with a love for our 
Christian civilization. 

J. MITCHELL, 
S?c. of th'i Board. 



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